A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Traditional “Play” Piercing

Ritual, not play, as photographed by Arco at last October’s vegetarian rituals in Phuket, Thailand. Lots more photos from him and others in the cultural rituals gallery on BME.

phuket-play-piercing.jpg

Comments

10 responses to “Traditional “Play” Piercing”

  1. VOMIT Avatar
    VOMIT

    Holy shit, are those pom poms!?!

  2. Saz Avatar
    Saz

    i hope he doesn’t fall over…

  3. Giles Avatar

    Medicine Men Go Wild had an hour special on Thaipusam last week. The docs did an experiment, one did the week long preparation for the piercings in order to stop the pain the other did nothing. Both said they were in similar agony during the forced tongue and cheek piercings showing that preparation achieved nothing. Damn funny to watch. However Xand claimed not to feel much pain when a suspension hook was pushed through his back and tugged on.

    Great viewing though not particularly academic.

  4. InKubus Avatar
    InKubus

    First impression: Man that guy is wearing a funny coat and hat and then came the “oh it’s a play piercing ritual”

  5. xvictorx Avatar

    hmmmm… i think i may have found a solution to my inability to grow a beard

  6. jonnycore Avatar
    jonnycore

    yeah, i was like “cool, a dude with pom-poms stuck to him”
    then “Oooohhh…”

  7. Max Brand Avatar

    i love it…..but I’d have to say “ritual’ and “play”….pretty much the same thing….

  8. San Avatar

    That’s gorgeous

  9. tellevator Avatar

    My mom actually went to Thaipusam last year and I’m jealous, most of the pictures are on my memory card. It’s definitely spiritual ritual, the most amazing part is the incredible lack of sterilization.

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